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Attractive Solingen Marked Dagger with Carved Ivory Figural Grip, Attributed to Aaron Lopez, the Wea

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military / Armory - Daggers Start Price:5,000.00 USD Estimated At:10,000.00 - 15,000.00 USD
Attractive Solingen Marked Dagger with Carved Ivory Figural Grip, Attributed to Aaron Lopez, the Wea
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Attractive Solingen Marked Dagger with Carved Ivory Figural Grip, Attributed to Aaron Lopez, the Wealthiest Man in Pre-Revolutionary Newport

Measuring 17 3/4 inches overall, with a double edged, single fuller, diamond cross section blade 11 3/4 inches long, with "JOHANN HORN" in one fuller and "MEFECIT SOLINGEN" (I was made in Solingen) on the reverse. Johann Horn has not been positively identified, but he was likely a skilled Solingen smith. The brass guard is engraved with scroll designs, punch-dot backgrounds, face designs on the quillions and a guard ring on the obverse. The grip is constructed from a single piece of carved ivory, with a "basket-weave" pattern to the held area, a golden pommel screw with raised floral patterns, and a pommel consisting of a double-faced bearded man, similar to traditional depictions of the Roman god Janus. With a black leather sheath, gilt numbered "449" on the front, with scroll engraved throat and tip and a floral pattern belt/frog hook. Notes provided by the consignor attribute the dagger to Aaron Lopez, aka Duarte Lopez, prominent Newport, Rhode Island businessman. Born in Portugal to a family of "conversos" (Jewish people who were forced to convert or be exiled), Lopez migrated to the then-British American Colonies in 1752, reasserting his heritage and establishing himself as a merchant in Newport. Making a profit in the spermaceti (sperm whale oil wax) trade, he diversified into ship production, barrel making, and the transcontinental trade. By the outbreak of the Revolutionary War he was the owner of 30 ships and Newport's most wealthy resident, a status which eroded due to a Continental boycott on trade with Britain, followed by a British Navy blockade of Newport which led the Lopez family to evacuate, eventually settling in Leicester, Massachusetts.

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Fine overall. The blade shows a mixed gray patina overall, with some darker areas and mild etching, The brass is very good, with fine details and a few mild handling marks. An age crack is present on the reverse side of the grip, running nearly the length, otherwise the grip is good, with fine detail in the carving and attractive grain. The sheath is good, with mild wear and scuffs. An attractive example of the Solingen bladesmith's craft and a fine piece of ivory art as well.